People are only now realizing how to speed up their home Wi-Fi

There are simple tricks and changes people can make at home to improve their Wi-Fi connection and get faster broadband speeds.

Simply moving the box, placing it on a shelf, or making sure you have the latest update installed can greatly improve your internet experience.

A Wi-Fi router is like a light bulb – so if something gets in the way, it will limit the amount of ‘light’ or internet connection you receive.

One of the easiest mistakes you can make with your router is to put it on the ground.

Walls, floors, and metal objects can interfere with and weaken your router’s wireless signals — so if it’s on the floor, part of your service will go straight to the floorboards.

By removing the Wi-Fi box from the ground and placing it one and a half to two meters above the ground, the frequencies can be improved.

Alex Tofts, of the broadband comparison service Broadband Genie, told DailyMail.com: ‘The general rules to keep in mind are to look for nearby obstacles that could cause a problem.

“Don’t place it behind bulky furniture or next to other gadgets that could interfere with the signal.”

He added, “There are certain rooms in the house that can be particularly problematic, so with that in mind, here are the areas you should think twice about.”

Another trick homeowners should know about their Wi-Fi is that the most common wireless technology operates at a frequency of 2.4 gigahertz (GHz).

But that’s the same frequency that cordless phones, microwave ovens, baby monitors, and garage door openers also use.

As a result, their signal noise can disrupt the connection between your device and router, Microsoft warns.

To reduce the interference, they suggest that people buy cordless phones and other devices that use the 5.8 GHz frequencies to minimize the interference.

Replacing an omnidirectional antenna with a high-gain antenna allows users to direct the router’s wireless signal in the most desired direction

Where you place the box in your home is also important.

Central locations provide the best signal coverage throughout your home or apartment.

Placing your router on the first floor allows you to reach devices on the second floor instead of, say, the ground floor.

In general, you want your router to be in the center of your house, rather than on the edges, Toft explains.

Toft said, “Attic space is not optimal for signal strength.

‘Ideally you want your router on the ground floor in the middle of your house, then you have the best chance of reaching all rooms in your house.

“Insulating material in the attic can also make it more difficult to get a better signal. If you use your attic space and need internet there, consider using a WiFi booster.”

It’s crucial to make sure you have a passport that protects your Wi-Fi

Replacing your router antenna can also help.

They usually broadcast in all directions, which means if placed near a wall, half of your Wi-Fi will go outside.

By replacing an omnidirectional antenna with a high-gain antenna, users can direct the router’s wireless signal in the most desired direction.

If you’re having trouble with a device dropping out or a slow connection, it may be worth going the old fashioned way and switching to an Ethernet cable for that particular device.

If you have a lot of devices competing for a Wi-Fi connection, it may be worth connecting devices that don’t tend to move (TVs and games consoles) over a wired connection to ensure that they get the best speeds.

This can also ensure that you have a solid connection to the devices streaming Ultra-HD video.

An obvious – but crucial – trick to make sure you’re getting the best out of your Wi-Fi is to put a security password on it.

Passwordless routers are accessible to anyone in your vicinity. That means nosy neighbors can eat your power without realizing it.